How to use client-side Javascript to execute an sql insert

[timc_usyd]

I want a textbox with an auto-suggest list and to add a row (ie. the value) to a table when Not-In-List.

I've started with a Web component -> Grid -> AlphaDAO -> varchar field -> textbox -> lookup is set.
Auto-suggest List, and the definition has the dynamic list from a data source.

I can see the event trigger "OnNotInList" under the "Javascript" heading.

I assume I can refer to "this.value" in the code and I can create a SQL string for an INSERT command.
INSERT INTO table_name{fieldname1} VALUES {this.value};

At this point I'm stuck.

1) How can I create&set a variable?
2) Can I trigger server (Alpha Anywhere) to execute an SQL command from within Javascript in the page ?
3) Do I have to add xbasic to an OnSave event? or add hidden grids/object and trigger xbasic command instead of relying on Javascript ?

[Davidk]

Re: How to use client-side Javascript to execute an sql insert

Tim... there's a bit to this... but pretty straight forward. One way to get this done is to call the .ajaxCallback() method from the OnNotInList event. Or call a Javascript function from the OnNotInList event... which in turn uses the .ajaCallBack() method. I prefer to call a Javascript function just because it's easier to get to later... less clicking.

Working only with the event... you could use this code...

var rowNum = {Grid.Object}._selectedRow;
{grid.Object}.ajaxCallback('G',rowNum,'myXBasicFunction');

While in the event, you'll see a link named "Insert Grid method" where you'll find information on the .ajaxCallback() function.

The code above will grab the current row you're on and made a call to an XBasic function named myXBasicFunction (just what I called it... you can call it anything you want).

myXBasicFunction would contain the code required to get a connection, create a sql statement, set arguments, execute and test the sql statement.

The structure of your XBasic function...

function myXBasicFunction as c (e as p)
	
	debug(1)
	
	dim newValue as c
	newValue = e._currentRowDataNew.BILL_CITY
	
	
end function

"e" is passed into the callback by Alpha and is a property variable with everything you need to know about your grid. "_currentRowDataNew" is a property of e and BILL_CITY is a property of "_currentRowDataNew".

But things are a bit tricky with a grid... because I can tab out of my auto-suggest control and all is good. However, if I click into another row of the grid, then e._currentRowDataNew.BILL_CITY will no longer show me my new value. So, instead... you can be sure of the data you want to use in your sql statement by sending it along with your ajax callback...

var rowNum = {Grid.Object}._selectedRow;
{grid.Object}.ajaxCallback('G',rowNum,'myXBasicFunction','','__newValue='+this.value);

Now you can access e.__newValue in your XBasic function... and it will always have your OnNotInList value.

Hope that helps a bit.